Media width sensing

ABSTRACT

Printing a graphic media product is described. The media product has an indicia marked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the media substrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection of the installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installed media substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computed based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the media substrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/923,723 for Media Width Sensing filed Oct. 27, 2015 (and published Apr. 27, 2017 as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0118355). Each of the foregoing patent application and patent publication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to printing. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention relate to alignment of printed indicia on media substrates.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, graphic media products present information visually to viewers. The graphic media products may comprise symbols, one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) data patterns such as barcodes and matrix code patterns, text, graphics, images, emblems, and other indicia (collectively, “indicia”), which may be marked on a blank media substrate by various printing systems (“printers”).

The clarity with which a printer marks the indicia on the medium is significant to the effectiveness with which the graphic media product presents the information and thus, to the intelligibility, legibility, and usefulness of the information to the viewers. To promote the clear marking of the indicia, various clarity criteria, expectations, specifications, and standards have emerged and/or been established.

For example, data patterns may be printed to comply with a programmed quality specification, and/or to quality standards promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and other authorities. Thus, 1D Universal Product Code (UPC) and 2D matrix data patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ANSI/UCC5’ standard.

Further, 1D International (or/also “European”) Article Number (EAN) and UPC/EAN linear barcode patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 12516’ standard. PDF417 data code patterns pattern, which comprise four vertical bar symbols disposed over 17 horizontally disposed spacer symbols, may be specified to comply with the ISO/EC-15438 standard. Quick Response (QR), Han Xin, and other 2D data patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 15415’ standard. Text may be printed to conform to any of a variety of specified fonts, styles, and/or optical character recognition (OCR) standards.

In addition to specific application to the appearance with which the indicia themselves are marked, the position at which the indicia are marked upon the media substrate may also be significant to the effectiveness with which the graphic media product presents the information and thus again, to the intelligibility, legibility, and usefulness of the information to the viewers. Some graphic media products may be used with applications in which the accuracy with which the indicia are marked on the media substrate may be especially significant.

For example, labels are typically applied onto containers and packaging used for dispensing medicines, such as narcotics, radiopharmaceuticals and other therapeutic or diagnostic drugs. As such, the labels may be applied for the purpose of providing important information to users of the item. The information may relate to the safe use of the items and/or precautions, “side-effects,” hazards, and/or dangers associated with using the item.

In such uses, the print quality specifications may comprise significant rigor with respect to strictures for heightened levels of accuracy in relation to a specified target position, and precision in relation to the uniformity with which the markings are applied repetitively to the specified target positions over a printing run of multiple labels or other print products. Printers are thus designed and configured to position the marking of the indicia onto the media substrate. For example, some printers may be configured for a ‘left justification’ of the markings, or for center tracking.

The media substrate may comprise a web of paper, plastic, or other materials upon which the indicia may be marked. The media substrate may comprise a stack of individual blank pages disposed in a tray, from which it may be drawn by a feed mechanism of the printer and fed into a marking mechanism thereof for the marking of the indicia thereon. The web may also, or alternatively, comprise a rolled configuration disposed upon a spool, or an accordion-like configuration disposed in a magazine.

The indicia may comprise a pattern formed by application of plurality of dots or other picture elements (pixels) of a marking agent, such as an ink or a thermally sensitive marking material, by the printing mechanism to the media substrate. The media width may be measured in relation to the total number of dots or other pixels along a horizontal line from one lateral edge of the media substrate to the opposite lateral edge thereof.

Printers may be left justifying or center tracking. Left justifying printers align the printing with reference to the left-most lateral edge of the media substrate. Center tracking printers align the marking of the indicia relative to a center position of the media substrate. The center position runs longitudinally in relation to the direction of feed and/or print, and parallel and equidistant to each of the opposite lateral edges of the media substrate.

With center tracking printers, users' knowledge of the correct width of the media substrate, and configuring a corresponding setting are significant to correct printing of media products conforming to quality standards and specifications, and the clear communication of information presented therewith. Errors relating to the correct width measurement and the corresponding setting configurations can lead to printing failures or faulty and/or ‘out-of-specification’ print products.

Such errors may relate to erroneous manual calculations or unit conversion performed by the users, the precision of the measurement devices or accuracy of estimates and the effects of measurement related deviation factors. The errors may also relate to the use of external tools, such as associated software and/or printer webpages, to configure the printer settings corresponding to the media width.

Moreover, the errors are associated with a single media measuring process cycle. A media width measurement cycle begins anew upon a subsequent change to a medium of a different width. Thus, errors relating to media width measurement and setting configuration may recur or deteriorate, with subsequent failures or faulty, out-of-specification print products.

It could be useful, therefore, to reduce reliance on users' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings for various media substrates. It could also be useful to configure the width settings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products in conformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote the clear communication of information presented therewith. Further, it could be useful to reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement and the corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence of printing failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, an example embodiment of the present invention relates to printing a graphic media product. Example embodiments reduce reliance on users' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings for various media substrates. Example embodiments configure the width settings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products in conformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote the clear communication of information presented therewith. Further, example embodiments reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement and the corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence of printing failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. The graphic media product comprises an indicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computing a center position of the media substrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the media substrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate. The processor is operable for computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks. The marks are disposed along at least one line perpendicular to a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and/or equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges. The media substrate may also comprise a plurality of gaps between each of the marks. The gaps comprise a shade and/or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate. The marks comprise a shade and/or a brightness darker than that of the gaps. In an example embodiment, the measuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width, comprises counting the gaps, and/or counting the marks.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for printing a graphic media product. The media product comprises an indicia marked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the media substrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection of the installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installed media substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computed based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the media substrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate. An example embodiment may be implemented in which the system summarized above is operable for performing the method for printing a graphic media product.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphic media product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upon a media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of the method steps summarized above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/or causes performance of the method for printing a graphic media product summarized above.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other example features, functions and/or aspects of embodiments of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description of example embodiments and each figure (“FIG.”) of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a typical left justifying printer, for comparison to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts an example center tracking printer in a “desktop printing” use, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B depicts an example center tracking printer configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A depicts an example of centered printing, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B depicts an example of off-center printing, for comparison to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an example system for printing a graphic media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for an example method for printing a graphic media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A depicts an example 1D ‘drag’ mode media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B depicts an example 1D ‘picket fence’ mode media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C depicts an example 2D media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D depicts an example text based media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts an example computer and network platform, with which an embodiment of the present invention may be practiced.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention are described in relation to systems and methods for printing an indicia on a graphic medium. In an example embodiment, a system for printing the indicia on the graphic medium comprises an indicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computing a center position of the media substrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the media substrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate. The processor is operable for computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

Overview.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for printing a graphic media product. The media product comprises an indicia marked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the media substrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection of the installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installed media substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computed based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the media substrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

The media substrate is fed to a print head along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product. The computed center position is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.

The media substrate is fed in a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product, and the length of the plane may be measured over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length may be measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located.

The computation of the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width may comprise tracking a number of setting adjustments inputted in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width.

Prior to the marking of the indicia, the media substrate is blank. As used herein, the term “blank” may refer to a substantially unmarked substrate of the print medium.

A substantially blank print media substrate supplied for printing graphic media products. As used in this sense, the term “substantially blank” refers to the media substrate comprising an unmarked state in relation to any printed indicia, except for any identifiers, descriptors, and/or “watermarks” or other security (or other) features, which if present, are intended to typically escape common perceptual notice not directed specifically thereto. The substantially blank media substrate comprises, in this sense, virgin media ready to be marked with the printed indicia.

In an example embodiment, the substantially blank media substrate does comprise a plurality of marks such as dots, disposed along at least one line perpendicular to one or more of a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.

The media substrate further comprises a plurality of gaps between each of the marks, wherein the gaps comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate, wherein the marks comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness darker than that of the gaps. An example embodiment may be implemented in which, while the dots or other marks and/or the gaps between them are detectable by a sensor, they are neither readily, or intentionally noticeable or perceptible to users of the media (unless, e.g., knowledgeable users are specifically seeking to observe them), nor will they substantially mar or interfere with, or comprise a readily noticeable component of, or artifact displayed with, information presented by substantive indicia marked (e.g., subsequently) upon the media substrate.

The measuring of the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width may comprise counting the marks. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring of the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width may comprise counting the gaps between the marks.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphic media product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upon a media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of the method steps described above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/or causes performance of the method for printing a graphic media product described above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. The graphic media product comprises an indicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computing a center position of the media substrate. The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the media substrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate. A processor is operable for computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

The system may also comprise a feeder mechanism. The feeder is operable for feeding the media substrate to the print mechanism. The media substrate is fed along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product.

The computed center position is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof. The sensor may be operable further for measuring the length of the plane over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length may be measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located.

The system may further comprise an input mechanism. The input mechanism is operable for inputting one or more setting adjustments over an adjustment range in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width inputted.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks. The marks are disposed along at least one line perpendicular to a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and/or equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges. The media substrate may also comprise a plurality of gaps between each of the marks. The gaps comprise a shade and/or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate. The marks comprise a shade and/or a brightness darker than that of the gaps. In an example embodiment, the measuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width, comprises counting the gaps, and/or counting the marks.

The graphic media product comprises the indicia marked upon the media substrate. The print medium may comprise a thermally markable material. The thermally markable material is heat sensitive. A thermal print head (TPH) printing mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the thermally sensitive medium by controllably heating dots or other pixels at target positions distributed over the marking surface of the media substrate, which correspond to components of the indicia, such as portions of a symbol. At each of the locally heated positions, the medium may darken chemically from a lighter shade or color to a darker shade or color (or vice versa), or a thermally transferred material may be transferred from a marking substrate to darken a lighter colored or shaded media substrate base (or vice versa).

Other media substrates may be marked by other techniques. For example, the media substrate may comprise paper, plastic, and/or other markable materials. Paper based print media may be marked with ink based marking materials. Metallic or other media substrates may be etched by lasers, or with print mechanisms operable for controllably applying a chemical etching material such as acids or other solvents.

Example embodiments of the present invention are thus useful for printing graphic media products. Example embodiments reduce reliance on users' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings for various media substrates. Example embodiments configure the width settings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products in conformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote the clear communication of information presented therewith. Further, example embodiments reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement and the corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence of printing failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

Example Center Tracking Printing System.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. The center tracking printing system may comprise a feature of a printer apparatus used in a desk-top of other (e.g., industrial) use, environment, situation, application, circumstance, endeavor, etc.

FIG. 2A depicts an example center tracking printer 20 in a “desktop printing” use, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A media substrate 21 is loaded into a supply magazine, such as a “paper tray.” The media substrate has a horizontal width 25, which spans the substrate 21 from a left edge 29 to an opposing right edge 28. A center line ‘0’ runs longitudinally over the length of the substrate 21 equidistant between the left edge 29 and the right edge 21. The centerline 0 is tracked and the marking of an indicia on the substrate is aligned in relation to the tracked centerline.

FIG. 1 depicts a typical left justifying printer 10, for comparison to an example embodiment of the present invention. In contrast with example embodiments of the present invention, the left justifying printer 10 aligns a marking of indicia on a substrate 11 in relation to the left-most edge 19 of the substrate 19, which has a width 15.

FIG. 2B depicts an example configuration of the center tracking printer 20, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 20 comprises a sensor 44 operable for measuring the lateral width 25 of a media substrate 21, such as a label or other indicia may be marked. The width 25 of the media 21 substrate may correspond to the optimum or maximum width with which a TPH or other print head may operate. The sensor may be operable for measuring the media width by counting a number of equally sized dots 28 (or other pixel styles), and/or gaps 27 between the dots 28, laterally between the left edge 29 of the substrate 21 to the right edge 23 thereof.

For example, the TPH width 25 may comprise a span of 800 dots. A label or other media product of three inches (3 in.) width spans 600 dots and/or gaps. In an example embodiment, the sensor 44 automatically configures a corresponding printing width to span the 600 dots, etc. width. Moreover, the processor 45 computes the longitudinal 0 centerline equidistant between the left media edge 29 and the right media edge 23 and aligns the marking of the label or other indicia upon the substrate in relation to the computer centerline. Truncated data 26 may appear to the left and the right of the label 21, each comprising a span of 100 dots, etc.

FIG. 3A depicts an example of centered printing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The substrate of a graphic media product 31 comprises a first edge 381, and a second edge 389. The second edge 389 is parallel to and opposite from the first edge 381. Relative to the orientation of the indicia marked in the printout area 21, e.g., in which text symbols may be read (and/or graphic symbols observed) in a “right-side-up” orientation, the first edge 381 may comprise an “upper” edge, and the second edge 389 may comprise a “lower” edge, of the media products 31 (and 32).

A target area 33 corresponds to (e.g., matches spatially, covered by) the target position comprises an upper bound separated by a first designated distance, e.g., two vertical displacement units, from the computer 0 centerline of the graphic medium substrate 31, and a lower bound separated by a second designated distance, e.g., also two vertical displacement units, from the computer 0 centerline of the graphic medium substrate. In the centered printout 333, the printout 335 is positioned on, over, or within the target area 366, in alignment with the computer 0 centerline. The computer 0 centerline runs longitudinally over the substrate 31 equidistant from the upper edge 381 and the lower edge 389; five units from each of the edges. As used herein the term “centered” refers to the marking of the printout within the target position 33, disposed over the area and thus, with equidistant separation between its upper edge and its lower edge from the computed 0 centerline.

FIG. 3B depicts an example of off-center printing 39, for comparison to an embodiment of the present invention. While the vertical displacement of the upper edge of the printout area 39 from the computed 0 centerline of the media product 381 has increased to three vertical displacement units in the off-center printout 39, the vertical displacement of the lower edge to the computed 0 centerline has decreased to one unit. Example embodiments of the present invention align the printing of the printout area 39 in relation to the computed 0 centerline, and thus promote the production of the centered printout 31, while deterring production of off center printouts, such as the printout 39.

Example System for Printing a Graphic Media Product.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. FIG. 4 depicts an example system 40 for printing a graphic media product 445, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The graphic media product 445 comprises an indicia 444 marked upon a blank media substrate 442. The system 40 comprises a print mechanism 47, a detector 42, a sensor 44, and a processor 45 operable for computing a center position 443 of the media substrate 442.

The print mechanism 47 is operable for marking the indicia 444 upon the blank media substrate 442. The detector 42 is operable for detecting an installation of a supply 41 of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating the sensor 44 based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate supply 41.

The detector 42 may detect the presence of the media substrate supply 41 based on a ‘media loaded’ indication 413, which may correspond to, e.g., electrically closing an electromechanical switch, optically activating (or deactivating) a photoelectric cell, ultrasonic detection, etc. The detector 42 may activate the sensor 44 with a ‘media supply present’ signal 414.

Upon activation by the detector 42, the sensor 44 is operable for measuring a lateral width 411 of the installed media substrate 41, such as over a surface of a portion (e.g., page) 441 of the media substrate, and for providing a corresponding media width signal 412 to a processor 45. The processor 45 is operable for computing the center position 443 of the media substrate (441, 442, 443) based on the measured width 411. The marking of the indicia 444 is aligned relative to the computed center position 443 of the media substrate 442, etc. For example, the processor 45 may control the print mechanism to align the marking of the indicia 444 according to the computer center position 443.

The system 40 may also comprise a feeder mechanism (“feeder”) 43. The feeder 43 is operable for feeding the media substrate 442 to the print mechanism 47. The media substrate is fed along a direction 699 of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product 445.

The computed center position 443 is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate (442, 443) and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof. The sensor 44 may be operable further for measuring the length 419 of the plane over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length 419 may be measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located, or along a line parallel thereto.

The system may further comprise an input mechanism 475. The input mechanism 475 is operable for inputting one or more setting adjustments over an adjustment range in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width inputted.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks 28 (FIG. 2B). The marks 28 are disposed along at least one line perpendicular to a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and/or equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.

The media substrate may also comprise a plurality of gaps 27 between each of the marks 28. The gaps 27 comprise a shade and/or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate. The marks comprise a shade and/or a brightness darker than that of the gaps. In an example embodiment, the measuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor 44, and/or the computation by the processor 45 of the center position 443 of the media substrate based on the measured width 411, comprises counting the gaps 27, and/or counting the dots or other marks 28.

The system 40 is operable for performing a printing process. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for printing a graphic media product.

Example Method for Printing a Graphic Media Product.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for an example method 50 for printing a graphic media product, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 40 (FIG. 4) may be operable for performing the example method 50.

In step 51, an installation of a supply of the media substrate is detected.

In step 52, a sensor is activated based on the detection of the installation.

In step 53, the activated sensor measures a width of the installed media substrate.

In step 54, a center position of the media substrate is computed based on the measured width.

In step 55, the marking of the indicia upon the media substrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

The media substrate is fed to a print head along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product. The computed center position is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.

The media substrate is fed in a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product, and the length of the plane may be measured over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length may be measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located (or a line parallel thereto).

The computation of the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width may comprise tracking a number of setting adjustments inputted in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/or causes performance of a method for printing a graphic media product, such as the printing method 50, described above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphic media product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upon a media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of the steps of the method 50, described above.

Example Graphic Media Products.

As used herein, the term “graphic media product” relates an indicia marked on a media substrate. Graphic media products may present or convey information visually, graphically, etc. to viewers.

The indicia may comprise one or more symbols. For example, the symbols may comprise text based information, such as alphanumeric, and/or character or syllabary based text. The symbol may also (or alternatively) comprise ideographic, pictographic, or emblematic based graphics, images, or data patterns.

For effective information presentation, data patterns may be subject to compliance with quality specifications promulgated by various standardization authorities. Such standards authorities include the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and others.

For example, 1D Universal Product Code (UPC) and 2D matrix data patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ANSI/UCC5’ standard. Linear (1D) barcode patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 12516’ standard. Quick Response (QR), Han Xin, and other 2D data patterns may be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 15415’ standard

FIG. 6A depicts an example 1D bar code pattern 610, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 1D bar code symbol 610 is depicted as though printed in a ‘ladder’ or ‘drag’ mode on the print medium 611.

FIG. 6B depicts another example 1D bar code pattern 620, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 1D bar code symbol 622 is depicted as though printed in a ‘picket fence’ mode on a print medium 622.

The bar code symbols 610 and 620 each comprise a plurality of bar elements 66 a and a plurality of space elements 68 b. The space elements 68 b are disposed in parallel with the bar elements 66 a. In the drag mode, the bar code symbol 610 is printed parallel to the direction of printing 699. In the picket fence mode, the bar code symbol 620 is printed in a perpendicular orientation to the direction of printing 699.

The bar code symbols 610 and 620 may each comprise data patterns related to, for example, an International (or “European”) Article Number and/or Universal Product Code (EAN/UPC symbology) pattern, PDF417 (ISO/EC-15438 related) pattern, which comprise four of the vertical bar like symbols 66 a disposed over 17 of the horizontally disposed spacer symbols 68 b), 1D dot code pattern, or other 1D symbols.

FIG. 6C depicts an example 2D matrix code pattern 650, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 2D matrix code pattern 650 comprises a matrix of 2D graphic symbol parts, such as squares and other rectangle and polygons, printed on a print medium 655. The matrix data pattern 650 may comprise a 2D data pattern related to, for example, quick-response (QR) and/or Han Xin graphical or geometric data matrices, or other 2D symbols.

FIG. 6D depicts an example text based code pattern 640, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The text based code pattern 640 comprises alphanumeric, character, or syllabary based text or other text related graphic symbol parts (e.g., OCR patterns), printed on a print medium 644. The code pattern 640 may comprise human readable and optical character recognition (OCR) readable symbol parts, such as numbers, letters, characters, and syllables printed on a print medium 644. The data pattern 640 may comprise a 2D data pattern related to, for example, OCR-B or OCR-A, or other 2D symbols.

The print media 611, 622, 644, and 655 each move longitudinally in a direction 699 of respective printing operations. The print media 611, 622, 644, and 655 may each comprise paper for receiving ink based markings, thermally sensitive paper, or plastic or other material. The print media 611, 622, 644, and 655 may be disposed in a web configuration, which is significantly longer than it is wide. The direction of printing 699 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the print media 611, 622, 644, and 655, along which the media move.

The printing system 40 prints the symbols 610, 620, 640, and 650 on the respective web media 611, 622, 644, and 655 according to a printing process (e.g., method 50; FIG. 5). An example embodiment may be implemented in which print logic generates a print command based on a reference pattern, to be printed centered in the target position. The print command and related reference pattern is used by a print driver to activate and energize print elements of the printing mechanism 47.

Responsive to the print command, for example, the activated and energized print mechanism 47 marks a part of the bar codes 610 and 620, matrix code 650 and/or text pattern 640 based on the reference pattern 305 and the media 611, 622, 644, and/or 655, respectively, advance in the direction 699. Each time that the media is advanced, a print driver activates elements of the print mechanism 112 for the marking of subsequent bar elements 66 a, and spacing of parallel space elements 66 b, onto a segment (e.g., portion) onto the media 611, 622, and 655, and/or the text pattern portions onto the medium 644.

As the printed portions of the media 611, 622, 644 and 655 advance through the print mechanism 47, the output printed graphic media product is produced. With ‘linear’ operable image heads, successive scan images of the printed element may be buffered sequentially into the scan memory area in a correspondence with the succession. The print command may be stored in a command related memory area.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a media product comprising an indicia printed on a graphic medium. The graphic media products may be printed by the method 50, described above with reference to FIG. 5.

Example Computer and Network Platform.

An example embodiment may be implemented in which one or more components of the printing system 40 (e.g., processor 45, sensor 44, and/or detector 42) are configured in electronic or computer based hardware, software stored physically (e.g., electronically, optically, electromagnetically) in non-transitory computer readable storage media such as dynamic memory, flash memory, drives, caches, buffers, registers, latches, memory cells, or the like.

FIG. 7 depicts an example computer and network platform 700, with which an embodiment of the present invention may be practiced. The computer and network platform 700 comprises a first computer system (“computer”) 701 and a data communication network 788.

The computer 701 comprises one or more components of the printer system 40 (e.g., product examiner 133). The computer 701 also comprises a touchscreen display 725. An example embodiment may be implemented in which the GUI 80 is rendered and actuated by the touchscreen display 725.

The network 788 may comprise a packet-switched data network operable based on transfer control and internetworking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP). The computer 701 may be coupled communicatively, and exchange data signals, over the data communication network 788 with at least a second computer 798, which is coupled communicatively with the data network 788.

The data network 788 may comprise a portion of one or more other networks and/or two or more sub-network (“subnet”) components. For example, the data network 788 may comprise a portion of the internet and/or a particular wide area network (WAN). The network 788 may also comprise one or more WAN and/or local area network (LAN) subnet components. Portions of the data network 788 may be operable wirelessly and/or with wireline related means. The data network 788 may also comprise, at least in part, a communication network such as a digital telephone network.

An example embodiment may be implemented in which the computer 701 is operable for sending data to the computer 798 in relation to the operations of the print system 40 over the data network 788. The computer 798 may then store printer system operation related data in the database 777, from which it may be retrieved at a later time. The computer 701 may be operable for presenting a query to the computer 798 for input to the database 777, and for receiving corresponding replies, over the data communications network 788. An example embodiment may be implemented in which the product configuration database 94 is related to (e.g., comprises a component of, mirrors, or is mirrored by) the database 777.

The computer 701 comprises a plurality of electronic components, each of which is coupled to a data bus 702. The data bus 702 is operable for allowing each of the multiple, various electronic components of computer 701 to exchange data signals with each of the other electronic components.

The electronic components of the computer 701 may comprise integrated circuit (IC) devices, including one or more microprocessors. The electronic components of the computer 701 may also comprise other IC devices, such as a microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD) or application-specific IC (ASIC).

The microprocessors may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) 704. The CPU 704 is operable for performing general data processing functions related to operations of the GRUI and other components of the computer 701. The electronic components of the computer 701 may also comprise one or more other processors 744.

For example, the other microprocessors may comprise a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or digital signal processor (DSP) 704, which are each operable for performing data processing functions that may be somewhat more specialized than the general processing functions, as well as sometimes sharing some processing functions with the CPU 704.

One of the processors 744 may also be operable as a “math” (mathematics) coprocessor. The math co-processor, DSP and/or GPU (“DSP/GPU”) 744 are operable for performing computationally intense data processing. The computationally intense processing may relate to imaging, image evaluation, graphics, dimension measurements, wireframe manipulations, coordinate system management, control, and other (e.g., mathematical, financial) information. One of the microprocessors may comprise the processor 45, of the print system 40.

The data processing operations comprise computations performed electronically by the image processor 333, CPU 704, and the DSP/GPU 744. The microprocessors may comprise components operable as an ALU, a FPU, and associated memory cells. The memory cells comprise non-transitory data storage media, which may be configured as caches (e.g., “L1,” “L2”), registers, latches and/or buffers.

The memory cells are operable for storing data electronically in relation to various functions of the processor. A translational look-aside buffer (TLB) may be operable for optimizing efficiency of use of content-addressable memory (CAM) by the CPU 704, and/or the DSP/GPU 744, etc.

The computer 701 also comprises non-transitory computer readable storage media operable for storing data, e.g., electronically. For example, the computer readable storage media comprises a main memory 706, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage medium. The main memory 706 is coupled to data bus 702 for storing information and instructions, which are to be executed by the CPU 704.

The main memory 706 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the CPU 704. Other memories (represented in the present description with reference to the RAM 706) may be installed for similar uses by the DSP/GPU 744.

The printing evaluation system 300 further comprises a read-only memory (ROM) 708 or other static storage medium coupled to the data bus 702. The ROM 708 is operable for storing static information and instructions for use by the CPU 704. In addition to the RAM 706 and the ROM 708, the non-transitory storage media may comprise at least one data storage device 710. The data storage device 710 is operable for storing information and instructions and allowing access thereto.

The data storage device 710 may comprise a magnetic disk drive, flash drive, or optical disk drive (or other non-transitory computer readable storage medium). The data storage device 710 comprises non-transitory media coupled to data bus 702, and may be operable for providing a “virtual memory” function. The virtual memory operations of the storage device 710 may supplement, at least temporarily, storage capacity of other non-transitory media, such as the RAM 706.

The non-transitory storage media comprises instructions 783, which are stored (e.g., electronically, magnetically, optically, physically, etc.) in relation to software for programming, controlling, and/or configuring operations of the computer 701 and its components, including the printing system 100, the camera 766, the GUI 80, etc. The instructions 783 may also relate to the performance of one or more steps of the printing method 20 (FIG. 2A).

Instructions, programming, software, settings, values, and configurations, etc. related to the method 20, the printing system 100 and its components, and other operations of the computer 701 are stored (e.g., magnetically, electronically, optically, physically, etc.) by the storage medium 710, memory, etc.

The computer 701 comprises a user-interactive display configured as the touchscreen 725, which is operable as a combined display and GUI (e.g., GUI 80; FIG. 8). The touchscreen 725 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), which is operable for rendering images by modulating variable polarization states of an array of liquid crystal transistor components. The touchscreen 725 also comprises an interface operable for receiving haptic inputs from a user.

The haptic interface of the GUI 80 and touchscreen 725 may comprise, e.g., at least two arrays of microscopic (or transparent) conductors, each of which is insulated electrically from the other and disposed beneath a surface of the display 725 in a perpendicular orientation relative to the other. The haptic inputs comprise pressure applied to the surface of the touchscreen 725 and GUI 80, which cause corresponding local changes in electrical capacitance values proximate to the pressure application that are sensed by the conductor grids to effectuate a signal corresponding to the input.

The touchscreen display component 725 and GUI 80 are operable for rendering an interactive surface for receiving user inputs relating to the actuators 81 and 82 and for rendering the adjustment tracker 88 (FIG. 8). Images and video received from the camera 766 may also be presented on the display 725.

The touchscreen 725 may be implemented operably for rendering images over a heightened (e.g., high) dynamic range (HDR). The rendering of the images may also be based on modulating a back-light unit (BLU). For example, the BLU may comprise an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LCDs may be modulated according to a first signal and the LEDs of the BLU may be modulated according to a second signal. The touchscreen 725 may render an HDR image by coordinating the second modulation signal in real time, relative to the first modulation signal.

Other display technologies may also (or alternatively) be used. For example, the display 725 may comprise an organic LED (OLED) array. The display 725 may also (or alternatively) comprise a display operable over a standard dynamic range (SDR), sometimes also referred to as a “low dynamic range” (LDR).

An input receiver 714 may comprise one or more electromechanical switches, which may be implemented as buttons, escutcheons, microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS) or other sensors, dual in-line package (DIP) switch, etc. The input receiver 714 may also comprise cursor and trigger controls such as a mouse, joystick, etc. and/or a keyboard. The keyboard may comprise an array of alphanumeric and/or ideographic, syllabary based keys operable for typing corresponding letters, number, and/or other symbols. The keyboard may also comprise an array of directional (e.g., “up/down,” “left/right”) keys, operable for communicating commands and data selections to the CPU 704 and for controlling movement of a cursor rendering over the touchscreen display 725. The input receiver 714 may allow inputs for configuring the width 411 of the media substrate.

The directional keys may be operable for presenting two degrees of freedom of a cursor, over at least two perpendicularly disposed axes presented on the display component of the touchscreen 725. A first ‘x’ axis is disposed horizontally. A second ‘y’ axis, complimentary to the first axis, is disposed vertically. Thus, the printing evaluation system 300 is thus operable for specifying positions over a representation of a geometric plane and/or other coordinate systems.

Execution of instruction sequences contained in the storage media 710 and main memory 706 cause the CPU 704 to perform processing related to general operations of the computer 701, the DSP/GPU 744 to perform various other processing operations, and the components of the printing system 100 to perform processing steps related to the example method 20 (FIG. 2A). Additionally or alternatively, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with the software instructions. Thus, the computer 701 is not limited to any specific combination of circuitry, hardware, firmware, or software.

The term “computer readable storage medium,” as used herein, may refer to any non-transitory storage medium that participates in providing instructions to the various processor components of the computer 701 for execution. Such a medium may take various forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media comprises, for example, configured/programmed active elements of the GRUI 41 (and other components of the control system 40) the CPU 704, the DSP/GPU 744, the non-transitory image related media 710, stored instructions 783, and other optical, electronic, or magnetic media. Volatile media comprises dynamic memory associated, e.g., with the RAM 706.

Transmission media comprises coaxial cables, copper wire and other electrical conductors and fiber optics, including the wires (and/or other conductors or optics) that comprise the data bus 702.

Transmission media can also take the form of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light waves), such as may be generated at a radio frequency (RF), and infrared (IR) and other optical frequencies. Data communications may also be effectuated using other means, including acoustic (e.g., sound related) or other mechanical, vibrational, or phonon related media.

Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may comprise, for example, flash drives such as may be accessible via universal serial bus (USB) or any medium from which the computer 701 can access, read, receive, and retrieve data.

Various forms of non-transitory computer readable storage media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to CPU 704 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic or other disk of a remote computer (e.g., computer 798). The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over networks 788.

The printing system 100 can receive the data over the network 788 and use an infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other transmitter means to convert the data to corresponding signals. An IR, RF or other signal detector or receiver (“receiver”) coupled to the data bus 702 can receive the data carried in the corresponding signals and place the data on data bus 702. The operations associated with the transmitter and the receiver may be combined in a transmitter/receiver (transceiver) means. The transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver means may be associated with the interfaces 718.

The data bus 702 carries the data to main memory 706, from which CPU 704 and the DSP/GPU 744 retrieve and execute the instructions. The instructions received by main memory 706 may optionally be stored on storage device 710 either before or after execution by CPU 704.

The interfaces 718 may comprise a communication interface coupled to the data bus 702. The communication interface is operable for providing a two-way (or more) data communication coupling to a network link 720, which may connect wirelessly over RF to the network 788. Wireless communication may also be implemented optically, e.g., at IR frequencies.

Signals may be exchanged via the interfaces 718 with an external device 799 (e.g., another computer or external storage device) through a compatible communication port 719. The input receiver 417 may provide signals to the GRUI 41 and other components of the control system 40 and the computer 701 via the port 719.

In any implementation, the communication interface 718 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. The network link 720 provides data communication through the network 788 to other data devices. The input receiver 417 may provide signals to the printer system 100 and other components of the computer 701 via the network links 720 and/or the data communications network 788.

The network 788 may use one or more of electrical, electromagnetic, and/or optical signals carrying digital data streams. The signals sent over the network 788 and through the network link 720 and communication interface 718 carry the digital data to and from the printing evaluation system 300. The printing evaluation system 300 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network 788, network link 720 and communication interface 718.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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Example embodiments of the present invention are thus described in relation to a system and method for printing media products. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing an indicia on a graphic medium. An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. The graphic media product comprises an indicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computing a center position of the media substrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the media substrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate. The processor is operable for computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

Example embodiments of the present invention are thus useful for printing graphic media products. Example embodiments reduce reliance on users' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings for various media substrates. Example embodiments configure the width settings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products in conformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote the clear communication of information presented therewith. Further, example embodiments reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement and the corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence of printing failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

For clarity and brevity, as well as to avoid unnecessary or unhelpful obfuscating, obscuring, obstructing, or occluding features of an example embodiment, certain intricacies and details, which are known generally to artisans of ordinary skill in related technologies, may have been omitted or discussed in less than exhaustive detail. Any such omissions or discussions are neither necessary for describing example embodiments of the invention, nor particularly relevant to understanding of significant elements, features, functions, and aspects of the example embodiments described herein.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such example embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and the term “or” is used in an inclusive (and not exclusive) sense. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed, is:
 1. A method for printing a graphic media product with a media printer, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an installation of a supply of a media substrate; activating a sensor, based on the detection of the installation; measuring a width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor by counting truncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right of the media substrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the media printer; computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width; and marking the indicia upon the media substrate wherein the marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.
 2. The method as described in claim 1, further comprising the step of feeding the media substrate to a print head along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product.
 3. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the computed center position is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.
 4. The method as described in claim 3, further comprising the steps of: feeding the media substrate in a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product; and measuring the length of the plane over the surface of the fed media substrate.
 5. The method as described in claim 4 wherein the length is measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located.
 6. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width comprises tracking a number of setting adjustments inputted in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width.
 7. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks disposed along at least one line perpendicular to one or more of a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.
 8. The method as described in claim 7 wherein the media substrate further comprises a plurality of gaps between each of the marks, wherein the gaps comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate, wherein the marks comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness darker than that of the gaps.
 9. The method as described in claim 8 wherein one or more of the measuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width comprises counting at least one of the gaps or the marks.
 10. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the graphic media product comprises an indicia marked upon the media substrate.
 11. A system for printing a graphic media product with a media printer, the system comprising: a print mechanism operable for marking an indicia upon the media substrate; a detector operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism; a sensor operable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate by counting truncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right of the media substrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the media printer, wherein the detector is further operable for activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation of the media substrate; and a processor operable for computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width, wherein the marking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.
 12. The system as described in claim 11, further comprising a feeder mechanism operable for feeding the media substrate to the print mechanism along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphic media product.
 13. The system as described in claim 11 wherein the computed center position is located along a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.
 14. The system as described in claim 13 wherein the measuring the sensor is further operable for measuring the length of the plane over the surface of the fed media substrate.
 15. The system as described in claim 14 wherein the length is measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed center position is located.
 16. The system as described in claim 11, further comprising an input mechanism operable for inputting one or more setting adjustments over an adjustment range in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width inputted.
 17. The system as described in claim 11 wherein the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks disposed along at least one line perpendicular to one or more of a line running longitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.
 18. The system as described in claim 17 wherein the media substrate further comprises a plurality of gaps between each of the marks, wherein the gaps comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate, wherein the marks comprise one or more of a shade, or a brightness darker than that of the gaps.
 19. The system as described in claim 18 wherein one or more of the measuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor, or the computing the center position of the media substrate based on the measured width, comprises counting at least one of the gaps or the marks.
 20. A graphic media product printed with a media printer using a process for marking an indicia upon a media substrate, the printing process comprising the method steps of: detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feeding to a printing head; activating a sensor, based on the detection of the installation of the supply of the media substrate; measuring a width of the installed media substrate with the activated sensor by counting truncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right of the media substrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the media printer and total number of the calibration dots corresponding to a maximum printing width of the media printer; computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measured width, the center position being computed relative to the printer and comprising adding half of the measured width of the installed media substrate to a total of one of the left or right truncated calibration dots; and aligning the marking of the indicia upon the media substrate relative to the computed center position of the media substrate. 